Reclaiming the Truth
“The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.’
So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley. Then I told her, ‘You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.’
For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days.”
Redeeming the Time
Marriage is created by God, ordained by God and sacred to God. It’s the relationship that He chooses to use as a picture of how He relates to His people. We are His bride. He is our bridegroom.
In a traditional wedding ceremony, a bride walks down an aisle, arm in arm with her father. The groom stands smiling, nervous, his best friends by his side. Vows are taken, rings are exchanged tears and smiles abound. In these moments, the mystery becomes realized, “the two become one flesh.”
There is perhaps no greater tragedy than when the marriage covenant is violated.
The message this morning at Sanctuary follows the story of Hosea and Gomer. The story is a picture of God’s relationship to Israel, and prophetically it’s a picture of His relationship to us. The theme of this morning’s message is not about marriage, but rather redemption. God’s relentless pursuit to redeem you, His bride, His child. As you listen to the message and reflect on God’s Word, receive His prevailing love in your life.
Reflection
- What does this text show me about the loveliness of God?
- What is it about God in this text that calls for my love for him?
- What does this text show me about people and about what love requires of me on their behalf?
- As one who has been shown mercy and love from God, what empowerment from him do I need to overcome my obstacles to love?
- What about the love of God in Jesus gives me hope and provision for my own lovelessness?
- What does this text show me about people and about what love requires of me on their behalf?
- What does it look like to rest and receive in His redemptive love today?
Resting in His Redemption
Write a prayer of thanksgiving in response to His redemptive love.
